With clear momentum from the 2022 Wimbledon, Nick Kyrgios, 27, handedly defeated Tommy Paul, 25, 6-3 6-4, at the Citi Open on Wednesday. The Australian, who exhibited throughout the game great finesse, and at times showmanship, was also quite the crowd-pleaser.  

 Next, he faces Reilly Opelka, 24, who defeated fellow American Denis Kulda, 29, 6-7 6-4 6-4.

While Kyrgios’ present ATP ranking is 63, Opelka’s is 17. 

 Kyrgios told reporters Wednesday about his desire to improve his rankings, saying: “I’m trying to get my ranking up a little bit more to a point where I don’t have to play two matches to be in the third round of a 500.”

“My ranking has never reflected my game,” he adds. 

The Australian, who won the 2019 Citi Open, is emerging as a favorite to win the tournament this year as well. Considering his loss to Novak Djokovic, 35, at the 2022 Wimbledon final, analysts and tennis enthusiasts are inevitable looking ahead at the upcoming U.S. Open to determine whether the Australian will be able to reach the next level in the grueling world of men’s tennis. 

 Kyrgios has never won a Grand Slam, but clues to whether his game develops will be closely examined in the coming days at the Citi Open.

 Kyrgios, who does not have a coach, also told reporters on Wednesday about his preparations, saying: 

 “I do my own research. I feel as if no one knows my game as good as myself. But I feel like there can be one little thing that my team says to me that can help me. I don’t need someone to tell me how to play tennis. I just need positive reinforcement at times to just give me feedback that I’m doing all right and I’m doing well, because I have had so much negativity in my career that sometimes I beat myself up way too much. I feel like just one little positive thing can do so much for my tennis.”

In reference to his tactics, Kyrgios adds: “Tactically I’m very switched on. There are players that have come to me for tactics against opponents. I feel like, yeah, I’m definitely my own coach out there. But it’s pretty simple. I just serve big and play on instinct and play big, and it works well.”

WTA

 Meanwhile, Simona Halep of Romania, 30, currently ranked as WTA 16, withdrew on Wednesday during her game against Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya, 23, over injury. Prior to her withdrawal, Halep was a tournament favorite.

But in the world of women’s tennis, Daria Saville of Australia, 28, handedly defeated Jessica Pegula, 28, the Citi Open defending champion, 7-5, 6-4.